3p Weekend: The Biggest CSR Stories of 2016 -- Updated

As 2016 comes to a close, it's natural to reflect on the months that passed and how they will impact our future. And this year saw no shortage of headlines pertinent to the corporate social responsibility (CSR) discussion.

To make sure you're caught up before that holiday party, we're taking a look back at the year's biggest news items -- and what's happening with them now.

Supreme Court stays Clean Power Plan amidst court battle

In February, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a stay that temporarily halted progress on the Clean Power Plan. The decision came after a group of states, utilities and coal companies sued the EPA over the Obama administration's landmark climate change policy, saying it was unconstitutional and infringed on state's rights. (As a refresher, the Clean Power Plan — which was updated and strengthened in August of last year — seeks to limit greenhouse gas emissions from new and existing power plants.)

What's happening now? In December, Exxon filed suit against the AGs behind the investigation -- saying the company was being unfairly discriminated against. And with its CEO Rex Tillerson on tap to be our new Secretary of State, the company's influence in Washington is only set to grow.

Peabody declares bankruptcy, some point to the collapse of U.S. coal

In April, Peabody Energy -- America's largest private coal company, with a market cap of $20 billion in 2008 -- filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Many said the company's demise further signaled the collapse of U.S. coal -- pointing to a sharp decline in coal production, which is now a third of what it was six years ago. The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicted 2016 would be the biggest year-on decline for coal in history.

The rise of Black Lives Matter

The Black Lives Matter movement formed in 2013 in response to the high-profile killings of unarmed black men at the hands of police. It continued to grow in strength and influence in 2016, releasing a point-by-point platform in August.

What's happening now? Earlier this week, the BLM movement announced its big project for 2017: an initiative to support and promote black-owned small businesses in partnership with New York ad agency J. Walter Thompson.

Tesla merges with SolarCity

This summer, Elon Musk -- cleantech visionary, Tesla CEO and SolarCity board chairman -- started hinting at the fact that Tesla may look to acquire SolarCity. The CEO made good on his promises, and put an offer before Tesla's board -- recusing himself from the final decision.

After signing the agreement, the next step was for countries to formalize their commitments -- and they did, in droves. The U.S. and China formally joined in September, sending up clear signals to the rest of the world. In order to come into force, at least 55 countries representing 55 percent of global emissions needed to come on board. The agreement crossed that milestone a few weeks later -- months ahead of schedule.

Dakota Access pipeline conflict mobilizes thousands

In 2014, the Standing Rock Sioux of North Dakota began mobilizing protests around the planned Dakota Access pipeline. The pipeline was set to carry crude oil 1,168 miles across North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Illinois, at a cost of $3.8 billion. The tribe said the pipeline, which passed within a half mile of the reservation, would put sacred sites at risk. They also expressed concern about the crossing at the Missouri River, which supplies drinking water to 17 million Americans, including the Standing Rock Sioux.

By November, the pipeline was completed save for the Missouri River crossing, which protesters blocked with prayer camps and their own bodies. As temperatures dipped below 25 degrees Fahrenheit, authorities reportedly sprayed protesters with water cannons -- outraging both environmentalists and human rights advocates.

Many drew comparisons to January's Oregon occupation -- insisting authorities didn't even shut off power and water to the armed occupiers, but used aggressive force against peaceful Standing Rock protesters seeking to protect their cultural heritage and water resources. Petitions are circling across the Web seeking to hold authorities accountable for injuries sustained by protesters, including partial blindness and loss of limb.

Trump's election and the rise of localities and businesses in the climate fight

In the early hours of Nov. 9, progressive Americans were shocked to learn that Republican candidate Donald Trump achieved the 270 electoral votes necessary to win the White House. Much hemming and hawing ensued in the following days. But by late November, those resolved to tackle climate change had regrouped and assembled a plan.

Mary Mazzoni, Senior Editor, has written for TriplePundit since 2013. She is also Managing Editor of CR Magazine and the Editor of 3p’s Sponsored Series. Mazzoni’s recent work can be found in Conscious Company, AlterNet and VICE’s Motherboard. She is based in Philadelphia.